Pacific Grove Unified School
District
Note: This web page is a copy of the minutes from the Board of
Education Meeting.
Minutes are NOT OFFICIAL until approved by the Board.
The official Minutes are available at the Board Office.
Address any questions to the Superintendent, Dr. Ralph Porras, or call the District Office at 831-646-6510.
PACIFIC GROVE UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
Minutes of the Meeting of June 3, 2004
The Board of Education of the Pacific Grove Unified School District held a meeting on June 3 at the Pacific Grove High School.
I. OPENING BUSINESS
A. Call to Order: 6:32 PM
B. Roll Call: Members Present: Beth Shammas
Jessie Bray
Mark Cameron
Richard Schramm
Mike Niccum
Student Representative
Present: Bonnie Kwan
Creston Whiting-Casey
Administrators Present: Patrick Perry, Superintendent
Robin Blakley, Assistant Superintendent
Adoption of Agenda: MOTION (Bray/Shammas) to adopt agenda. Motion CARRIED 5 to 0
Identified Closed Session Topics:
Superintendent evaluation
Negotiations – Conference with Labor Negotiators Patrick Perry and Robin Blakley regarding PGTA contract.
Negotiations – Conference with Labor Negotiators Patrick Perry and Robin Blakley regarding CSEA contract
Public Comment on Closed Session Items: None
II. ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION 6:32 PM
III. RECONVENE IN OPEN SESSION 7:05 PM
A. Report action taken in closed session
Superintendent evaluation. Evaluation completed.
Negotiations – Conference with Labor Negotiators Patrick Perry and Robin Blakley regarding PGTA contract. No action taken
Negotiations – Conference with Labor Negotiators Patrick Perry and Robin Blakley regarding CSEA contract. No action taken
B. Pledge of Allegiance. Recited.
IV. PRESENTATIONS
A. Betty Hinton, Barbara Novelli, Barbara Battcher, Phil McClure, Karen Snow, Richard Lind, and Jane Britton, District retirees, were honored by the Board of Education for their years of dedicated service and presented with plaques and flowers.
B. Doug Brown gave a presentation on the Dibels Reading Intervention Program (Dynamic Indicators of Early Literacy Skills). An application to CA Schools Board Association for the annual Golden Bell Award will be submitted. This is a joint project between PGUSD, Chartwell, and SELPA. The philosophy of the DIBELS program is that all children are able to learn to read. The Board concurred with proposal to go ahead with the application.
V. COMMUNICATIONS
Written Communications:
Bray: reminded everyone of the retirement party scheduled for Friday, 4:00 PM, at the Sally Griffin Center.
Board Member Comment:
Bonnie Kwon introduced the new student Board member, Creston Whiting-Casey. Creston stated he is here to serve the students and wants to have the student voices heard. His goal is that PGHS becomes the best high school.
Cameron expressed the honor and joy for him to be involved as a judge for the senior projects. It was wonderful to see the effort and ability of the students.
Schramm thanked Bonnie Kwon for her past participation and welcomed Creston.
Bray was also involved in judging the senior projects and was impressed with the range of topics that students chose. She noted the May 24 article in the Monterey Herald regarding the many honors and awards received by high school senior, Paul Ryu.
Superintendent Report:
Perry noted that Congressman Farr will be at the high school library on Monday at 11:00. The middle school had a successful concert last night, which was well attended. He is continually impressed with
Mr Stotz’s music programs.
Blakley had a meeting with Pacific Oaks. Things are going well for the school and attendance is up.
VI. PUBLIC COMMENT:
Several high school students proposed a trial run of an open campus for next year. There is a noticeable student dissatisfaction with the closed campus. Activities that were supposed to keep the students engaged are not happening. Shammas thanked the students for talking about the subject but noted that they will need to have this item placed on the agenda so that this issue can be discussed formally.
Matt Bell invited the Board to the Robert H. Down Spring Dance on Thursday, June 10, 10:15 – 11:30 AM .
A Band Booster member thanked the Board for considering approval to use $19,000 of Parcel Tax funds to support music programs in the District.
VII. CONSENT:
Donations
Certificated Assignment Order No. 15
Classified Assignment Order No. 15
Minutes of May 13, 2004 Special Meeting
Minutes of May 20, 2004 Regular Meeting
Warrant Schedule No. 432
Revolving Cash Report No. 10
Cash Receipts Report No. 10
Out of Counties Activities
Acceptance of Middle School Modernization Project and Approval of Change Order #3
2004-2005 Designation of CIF Representatives to League
Item J pulled and edits made to minutes of May 20 (Item E).
MOTION (Schramm/Bray) to approve consent agenda as corrected with minutes of May 20 as edited and Item J pulled. Motion CARRIED 5 to 0.
Blakley gave additional details regarding the middle school modernization contract. The final contract, including change orders, was 12% more than the original contract, but still within the budget for the project.
MOTION (Bray/Schramm) approval of change order #3 and notice of completion as recommended on page 10a as presented. Motion CARRIED 5 to 0.
VIII. INFORMATION/DISCUSSION:
Sub Committee Reports:
Shammas was told that Community Human Services is closing the drug treatment program for children.
Hopefully Walter Kraus can give us an update on this when he returns.
City/District (Bray/Niccum): Nothing to report.
Negotiations (Bray/Shammas): PGTA meeting was May 25, with the next one scheduled for June 7. The joint report has been prepared. CSEA meeting took place on May 27, with next meeting is scheduled for June 16. Shammas will be attending June 7 PGTA session.
ROP (Schramm/Shammas):. Schramm cannot make June 16 executive meeting, Shammas will attend at the beginning.
Library (Bray): Nothing to report
Public Comment: None
Board Self-Evaluation
Perry briefly discussed the two different documents available for self-evaluation and asked for the Board’s direction and timeframe. Bray noted that she would prefer they complete this in the fall and use the first document. Schramm found the list of questions to not be particularly valuable. Shammas noted that the tools may be a little too formal. We need to be focused on what to work on. Niccum had a question regarding the purpose of the evaluation and the value of doing such. He also noted an interest in doing a facilitated workshop or study session. Perry commented that this Board works together very well and feels this is an optimal time to work on this and have a study session. He supports some type of dialogue with the purpose of looking at Board operations and relationships. He also feels it is best to do it is when things are going well. The request was made to bring this forward as an agenda item either the end of August or early September.
Public Comment: None
Board of Education 2004-05 School Year Calendar
Perry reviewed the calendar. Bray would like to look at two newsletters/year; she has received positive feedback from the community. Schramm noted the comprehensive safety plan ed code requirements that need to be completed by March 1 and asked to have this item added to the calendar for February.
Public Comment: None
IX. ACTION/DISCUSSION ITEMS
Approval of 2004-2005 Robert H. Down SIP Plan and Related Budget
Matt Bell noted how proud he is of the parent involvement and thanked the Board for the work they do. The school is continuing its focus on writing and has received a grant from the Chapman Foundation. Due to the overwhelming teacher support with the students, the school will continue with Peatrice Vecchione. They are focusing on Rubrics to support the writing program. They are also providing additional professional development for the aides. The aides are excited about the opportunity, which enhances their feelings as professionals. The physical fitness report is stunning. Schramm had a question regarding the usability of the student achievement database. Bell responded that the database needs to be refined more and is not very useful to the teachers. Perry noted that there is a meeting scheduled for June 8th with several people to work on the database. We may need to go out and buy a database or make modifications in the existing program.
MOTION (Cameron/Niccum) to approve. Motion CARRIED 5 to 0
Public Comment: None
Approval of Revision to Pacific Grove Middle School 2004-2005 Student-Parent Handbook
Bray requested a change to the top of pg 4, 1st paragraph, first and second sentences, to read “Anyone, including parents, who want to visit classes …”
Public Comment: None
MOTION (Bray/Niccum) to approve the revisions as edited. Motion CARRIED 5 to 0.
Approval of Board Policy #7400, Administrative Regulations #7400 – Property Management – Second Reading
Perry noted that the changes requested at the previous meeting were made to the document.
Public Comment: None
MOTION (Bray/Schramm) to approve as edited. Motion CARRIED 5 to 0
Second Reading Board Policy #0450 – Comprehensive Safety Plan
Perry noted the paragraph that was previously included in the policy that has been moved to regulations.
Bray noted a minor edit on pg 17B (add “t” to event)
Public Comment: None
MOTION (Bray/Schramm) to approve policy and regulations as edited. Motion CARRIED 5 to 0 .
2004/05 Budget Revenue, Expenditure Projections and Budget Assumptions
Robin Blakley noted the changes made since the previous meeting. The high school athletic stipends have been restored using Parcel Tax funds, along with funding for the high school computer lab aide, partially restored summer maintenance, and technology needs. Middle school and high school curriculum coordinator stipends, Special Ed, testing materials, and Board conference/training expenses of $13,500 were added to the General Fund. Blakley also suggested to not allocate the full $47,000 remaining Parcel Tax until employee contracts are finalized. The Management team recommended the restoration of the middle school computer lab aide ($4,000), restoration of school site instructional allocations ($17,000), and restoration and enhancement of K-12 music program allocation ($19,000). Cameron expressed his desire to keep a reserve to hold recommendations out for decision later. Schramm also felt we shouldn’t spend the entire Parcel Tax until we know enrollment for next year. Niccum and Bray noted that it is important for us to allocate all of the Parcel Tax to show the community that we are using this money. Shammas expressed her agreement with the use of the funds, especially for music – this is what we usually cut. She sees many people that work tirelessly for music boosters, etc., and feels this is the spirit of the Parcel Tax. Cameron noted that his thought was to wait until August to see what happens, not to keep it in reserve forever, but to spend by September. Bray also noted that Board will not necessarily spend all of the $13,500. They donate their time, but appreciate when they can be reimbursed with actual costs.
Public Comment: Stephanie Bachellor agrees that these requests should be allocated quickly. They are needed resources that have been cut. She also expressed her concern with the elimination of one high school counselor.
Robert Kershner has the impression that the Parcel Tax was requested in order to restore programs, music, and library. He doesn’t remember the word “reserve, contingency, or just in case.” $19,000 for music is only 5% of the tax. We need to continue with the spirit of what the Parcel Tax was meant for.
Jennifer Jansen believes the Parcel Tax should be spent and believes the District will spend it as wisely as possible.
MOTION (Niccum/Bray) accept recommendations of management group for the allocated remainder of the parcel tax, $4,000 for middle school lab aide, $17,000 for school site instructional allocations, and $19,000 for music, and agreement on the rest of the assumptions. Motion CARRIED 5 to 0.
Resolution #741 Certifying Parcel Tax Compliance with State Law
Robin Blakley explained that the county requires the adoption of the Resolution certifying that the school district complied with the State law with respect to the levying of this Parcel Tax before the tax will be collected.
Public Comment: None
MOTION (Schramm/Cameron) to approve. Motion CARRIED 5 to 0 .
Robert Down Modernization Work Contract Award
Robin Blakley explained the disappointment in only receiving one bid, which was well beyond the budget. The bidding situation right now is saturated, with many projects going on. The bidder had great difficulty finding sub-contractors to give him prices. A delay until next spring would cause problems with the State and RHD would go another winter without a heating system. The project is being re-bid, with bid opening to occur on June 14th and the item will be brought to the next board meeting. The architect is restructuring the bid document and the base bid is reduced down to a very small amount of work. Schramm asked what happens if we don’t get any valid bidders. Blakley responded that the school will use electric heaters, as was done this last winter. Niccum noted that the market is suffering from high concrete and steel prices at the present time. Schramm inquired as to what other revenues might we have that can go into this project. Blakley responded that we previously allocated $200,000 for Community High and would bring options forward to the Board on June 17th.
Public Comment: Robert Kershner asked if Sage knows about the issues with the heating system, etc at RHD. Perry responded in the affirmative.
MOTION (Schramm/Bray) to reject the single bid received and authorize re-bidding. Motion CARRIED 5 to 0.
Board Calendar/Future Meetings
Public Comment: None
Future Agenda Items
Bray requested an addition to the agenda for the June 17th meeting to discuss reconfiguration of the elementary grades. Cameron commented that this sounds like an important issue with a fair amount of interest. If discussed after school is out, there will be less chance of having people around to get their input as opposed to beginning of school year. Niccum noted that as a Board, we should be looking at this as part of the Long Range Plan. We have to decide base programs, etc. first before we decide on configuration. The decision was made to bring this item forward as an Information/Discussion item in August.
Public Comment: Kershner agreed with Jessie Bray that this needs to be worked on. However, he warned the Board that there will be a lot of people that will be very upset with any change in the status quo.
X. ADJOURNMENT: 10:04 PM
Submitted by,
Patrick Perry, Secretary Board of Education
Pacific Grove U.S.D.
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updated: 6/22/04
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